Local lawmakers lead push on firearms legislation

Friday

Apr 5, 2013 at 4:22 PM

Two state legislators from Davidson County are steering the Republican-led push for pro-gun legislation in Raleigh.

BY NASH DUNNThe Dispatch

Two state legislators from Davidson County are steering the Republican-led push for pro-gun legislation in Raleigh.Sen. Stan Bingham, R-Davidson, and Rep. Rayne Brown, R-Davidson, have filed or sponsored nine different measures that would alter policies, limits and statutes involving firearms.Bingham, a lumber company and newspaper owner from Denton, serves as the primary sponsor for five bills that either seek to support gun owners or change permitting rules.A gun collector and enthusiast, Bingham said he grew up around firearms and enjoys using them as a hobby. Serving his seventh term in the Senate, Bingham said he retained a lot of the newly filed legislation during years of Democratic control."This is the first opportunity I've had, and I've probably introduced more gun bills than anyone in the Legislature," Bingham said. "And you've always got folks that oppose any bill that has to do with guns, but the majority of my constituents I represent now would be very supportive of gun owners and their rights."Bingham gained attention statewide earlier this year by filing two bills that would allow certified educators and volunteers to carry firearms in public and private schools. Senate Bill 27 would permit public school boards to hire "school safety marshals" who would be permitted to carry concealed firearms while Senate Bill 146 would essentially allow the same thing at private schools.More recently, Bingham filed a bill last week that would permit North Carolina Council of State members who have concealed handgun permits to possess or carry handguns on state property.Bingham said he drafted the bill at the request of N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, who expressed safety concerns about several interactions with the public."In our business, people sometimes have strong emotional feelings about things and can take things a bit far," Bingham said. "We've been threatened before, and we've had several times when the sergeant-at-arms have had to escort people out."The N.C. Council of State is made up of nine individuals, including the lieutenant governor, the secretary of state and the N.C. Attorney General.Brown, who is serving her second term in the House, is one of four primary sponsors of the Second Amendment Protection Act, which was filed earlier this week.The bill essentially nullifies any federal laws, taxation and regulations for owners of firearms and ammunition that is manufactured or traded within North Carolina's borders."The states are seeking to protect themselves from continued overreach by the federal government," Brown said, adding that this is one of the most important issues to the citizens she represents locally.Similar legislation has been filed in several states across the nation, as the debate over gun control continues to develop in Washington. Democratic opponents have said states can't enact such nullifying legislation, referring to the clause in the U.S. Constitution that declares federal law "the supreme law of the land."Brown said she is aware of the potential ramifications of the bill's approval."You can get sued for anything, and that's a person's right and an organization's right to sue us for this, and we will defend ourselves," Brown said. "I think the principle is worth it."Sam Everhart, owner of Daddy Rabbit's gun store in Lexington, said he appreciates what Bingham and Brown are working toward."People are concerned about an erosion of their rights," Everhart said. "In North Carolina, we are seeing these rights slowly expanded, which is a good thing."Nash Dunn can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 227, or at nash.dunn@the-dispatch.com.